Dance of Desire [Kindle Edition]

Catherine Kean (Author)

Book Description

She risked everything in one seductive dance . . .

Disguised as a veiled courtesan, Lady Rexana Villeaux dances for Fane Linford, the new High Sheriff of Warringham. Desperate to distract him while her servant steals the missive that condemns her brother as a traitor to the Crown, she entices Fane with all the passion in her soul--and he is tempted.

A hero of the crusades, Fane has been granted an English bride by the king. Fane wants only one woman: the exquisite dancer. When he discovers she’s actually a highborn lady, and that her rebellious brother is imprisoned in his dungeon, he will have no other wife but her.

Rexana doesn’t want to become the sheriff’s bride, but it may be the only way to save her brother. Yet as she learns more about her brooding husband tormented by barbaric secrets, she finds it harder and harder to deny his love or their dance of desire.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Awards for Dance of Desire:

* Reviewer's Choice Golden Rose Award, Love Romances
* Reviewer's Choice Award, The Road to Romance
* Winner, Best Historical--Medieval--Category, Affaire de Coeur Magazine's 2006 Reader-Writer's Poll
* Finalist, Historical Category, Georgia Romance Writers' 2006 Maggie Awards for Published Romance Novelists
* Finalist, Best First Book Category, The Phoenix Desert Rose Chapter of RWA's 2006 Golden Quill Contest for Published Authors
* Finalist, Debut Novel Category, Reviewers' International Organization's 2005 RIO Award of Excellence Contest
* 2nd Place, Historical Category, Smoky Mountain Romance Writers' 2005 Readers and Booksellers' Best Laurie for Published Authors Contest

"A fabulous, fascinating, fast read! I couldn't put it down! You'll be hooked from the first page to the last!"-- Karen Hawkins, New York Times best-selling author

"On a scale of 1 - 5 stars, this is definitely a 6 star book!" -- Affaire de Coeur Magazine

4-1/2 stars--Romantic Times Book Reviews Magazine

5 Kisses--"One of the best historical romances this reviewer has ever read!'--Romance Divas

4-1/2 Blue Ribbons--"I was completely engaged by her powerful characters that are set amid a captivating blend of sensuality and rich historical detail."--Romance Junkies

From the Publisher

Dance of Desire is the launch title of Medallion Press's Sapphire Jewel Imprint mass market historial romance line

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 488 KB
• Print Length: 442 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005JRZF0Y
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #128,966 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast-Paced Historical Romance......Loved it!!!! May 6, 2006

By natalie

Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book held me from beginning to end. Usually I find myself skipping ahead because I get a little bored, but not with this one. It starts off in England in 1192. Lady Rexanna is desperate to clear her brother's name. There is a missive with her brother's signature which offers proof that he is traitor to the crown; of course Rexanna believes his signature is forged. In order to get her hands on the missive she and a trusted friend plan to sneak in the High Sheriff's keep where it is being held. She learns that there is a party at his keep where an exoctic eastern dancer plans to perform in front of him. Lady Rexanna pays the dancer to stay away and she goes in the costume in her stead. She dances with so much emotion and intrigue that Fane Linford, the High Sheriff is immediately taken with her. He decides he must have her. Terrified that she will lose her virginity to him, she sneaks off without finding the missive. Fane figures out her identity and is determined to have her, to make her his wife.

The King grants Fane any wife of his choice for his great deeds and heroism in the Holy Lands. So when he goes to Lady Rexanna and tells her she will be his wife by word of the King, she can not refuse. The rumors say he is a barbarian, and she is not happy about the marriage. He also holds her brother's life in his hands, and she decides maybe marrying him can have some benefits. After marrying him she quickly realizes that he is not a barbarian, but a gentle and loving husband, eager to please her. This makes it hard for her when she starts loving him because she feels she is being traitor to her brother, she feels torn.

Fane is such an extraordinary hero. He is strong and confident, tall and handsome. He is also patient and loving. He is so good to Rexanna, even when she deceives him. I just loved his love that he had for her. Rexanna was a strong heroine. She was very determined and loyal. She was also very sensual, hence the dance of desire. This read had many twists and turns. It was full of rich historical details, and showed how a strong warrior can also be capable of great love. The ending was great, had me wondering till the end. This book is a must read.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Kean writes with passion! May 24, 2005

By Detra Fitch VINE™ VOICE

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Set in England, 1192. After doing his duty in the crusade, Fane Linford is the High Sheriff of Warringham. He has been granted a bride of his own choosing, by King Richard himself. Fane has only to choose. However, Fane is kept busy. There is a rebellion forming against the crown. Rumor says Fane has a list of traitors that he will be turning over to the king.

Lady Rexana Villeaux learns that her brother's name is on that list and that he resides in the High Sheriff's dungeon! She is determined to see Rudd's named cleared. He would never turn traitor! Rexana dresses in the gauzy disguise of a desert courtesan and performs for the new High Sheriff, distracting him so her servant could steal the list.

The passion in her dance does indeed catch Fane's eye. Too much so. Fane is determined to claim Lady Rexana as his bride. To save her brother she will agree. Then he may take his time to win her trust, followed by her heart.

However, the area's unrest seems to be against the new couple. Not only that, but Lord Darwell's son, Garmonn, has always believed that he would be Lady Rexana's husband some day. And if he must kill the barbaric new High Sheriff, then so be it!

**** Author Catherine Kean writes with such passion that you can feel the hurt and joy that her characters' experience. I could easily imagine myself in the heroine's place and understand all her actions. No stupid little fits or tantrums for this brave heroine! Wonderful tale that I proudly recommend! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Captures the Essence of Romance April 5, 2006

By Leslie Halpern

Format:Mass Market Paperback

So many romance novels (and romantic movies for that matter) are plagued with bad dialogue and trite situations. "Dance of Desire" is a refreshing change for a historical romance.

The heroine, Rexana, and the hero, Fane, are well-developed characters with their individual strengths and vulnerabilities. Even the supporting characters, such as Rexana's brother, servant, and former suitor have their own personality quirks.

Catherine Kean engages all the senses in "Dance of Desire." We can vicariously experience the scenes of danger, fear, sadness, joy, and desire in rich detail. The Middle Ages is a fine background for this particular story of treason and class struggle. There's much attention to small details here (e.g., their clothing, food, and bathing), and it's a better story (and more satisfying romance) because of it.

First and foremost, this is a wonderful romance novel -- the kind that sweeps you away as you read, and stays with you long afterwards.

Leslie Halpern, author of Reel Romance: The Lovers' Guide to the 100 Best Date Movies and Dreams on Film: The Cinematic Struggle Between Art and Science.

More About the Author

Catherine Kean has always loved tales of heroic knights and stubborn damsels. She penned her first novella at age twelve and her first full-length manuscript at sixteen. After completing a B.A., double major (first class), in English and History from the University of Victoria, B.C., Canada, she was accepted into the post-graduate Works of Art Course run by Sotheby's auctioneers in London, England, where she studied centuries of history, antiques, and fine art. She worked in Canada for several years as an antique and fine art appraiser.

Her debut medieval historical romance, Dance of Desire, was the launch title of Medallion Press's Sapphire Jewel Imprint. Dance of Desire won two Reviewer's Choice Awards, Best Medieval in industry review magazine Affaire de Coeur's 2006 Reader-Writers' Poll, and finaled in four contests for published romance novelists.

Her other medieval romances have also garnered accolades. Among them, My Lady's Treasure won the historical category of the 2008 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Contest and finaled in the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. A Knight's Reward was a 2008 National Readers' Choice Awards finalist.

Catherine also writes contemporary romances under the pseudonym Cate Lord.

Busy working on her next novel, Catherine lives in Central Florida with her husband, daughter, and a spoiled rescue kitty. For excerpts and more book details, visit Catherine's website at http://www.catherinekean.com